CENTURIES of gales and storms have taken their toll on one of the most remote churches in North Yorkshire.

Now the congregation of St Andrew's Church, at Weaverthorpe, near Scarborough, hope to raise £87,000 to repair the roof.

Churchwarden Mary d'Arne Massheder has written 40 appeal letters to organisations and charities, seeking help to boost the £6,780 which has already been raised in the village.

It has been given a further £2,000 by North Yorkshire County Council'sRyedale area committee after Mrs Massheder told its members that high winds had lifted the tiles on the church, which dates back to early Norman times.

"It is a beautiful old church, set on the side of a lovely valley and is visible for miles - a real beacon," she said.

"But three severe winters in a row necessitated expensive repairs which severely depleted our funds."

It is thought that St William of York was involved in its construction.